Gut content examination and trophic markers (fatty acids, stables isotopes of C and N) were combined to delineate the diet of the dominant species of amphipods from Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica ... [more ▼]

Gut content examination and trophic markers (fatty acids, stables isotopes of C and N) were combined to delineate the diet of the dominant species of amphipods from Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and to highlight trophic diversity among this community. Our results indicate that, although all dominant species heavily relied on macroalgal epiphytes, considerable interspecific dietary differences existed. Carbon stable isotope ratios notably showed that some of the amphipod species favored grazing on epiphytes from leaves or litter fragments (Apherusa chiereghinii, Aora spinicornis, Gammarus aequicauda), while others like Dexamine spiniventris preferred epiphytes from rhizomes. The remaining amphipods (Caprella acanthifera, Ampithoe helleri and Gammarella fucicola) readily consumed both groups. In addition, SIAR modeling suggested that most species had a mixed diet, and relied on several food items. Fatty acid analysis and gut contents revealed that contribution of microepiphytic diatoms and of benthic and suspended particulate organic matter to the diet of amphipods were anecdotal. None of the examined species seemed to graze on their seagrass host (low 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) fatty acids contents), but G. aequicauda partly relied on seagrass leaf detritus, as demonstrated by the lesser 13C-depletion of their tissues. Overall, our findings suggest that amphipods, because of their importance in transfers of organic matter from primary producers and detritus to higher rank consumers, are key-items in P. oceanica associated food webs. [less ▲]

The submarine part of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in the Marmara Sea is a significant hazard for the city of Istanbul (Turkey). The use of paleoseismological data to provide an accurate seismic risk ... [more ▼]

The submarine part of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in the Marmara Sea is a significant hazard for the city of Istanbul (Turkey). The use of paleoseismological data to provide an accurate seismic risk assessment for the area is constrained by the fact that the NAF system is submarine near Istanbul; thus a history of paleoearthquakes can be inferred only by using sediment cores. Here a record of turbidites was obtained in two cores and used to reconstruct the earthquake history along a main branch of the NAF, the Cinarcik Segment. Kullenberg core Klg04 (4 m long) was collected during Marmarascarps mission from a berm north of the fault and a second core (Klg03, 3.5 m long) was positioned in the Cinarcik Basin, 3 km south of the fault. Sedimentary sequences in the two cores were correlated using variations in Ca/Ti ratio, which reflect the local aquatic productivity compared with more terrigenous input. The turbidites between the two cores were then classified to distinguish the synchronous ones from the other ones. Radionuclide measurements suggest that the most recent turbidite recorded in both cores was triggered by the M=7.3 1894 earthquake. We conclude that the turbidites are earthquake-generated, based on: 1) their distinctive sedimentological and geochemical signatures, previously described and applied in the Marmara Sea; 2) the correlation of turbidites between cores at berm and basin sites; 3) the match of the most recent turbidites with a 19th century historical earthquake; and 4) the elimination of others processes. Because of its specific geomorphological location, core Klg04 likely records only mass wasting events related to the rupture on the Cinarcik Segment. To date older turbidites, we used 14C and paleomagnetic data to build an OxCal age model with a local reservoir correction (ΔR) of 400±50 yr. The Cinarcik Segment is found to have ruptured in AD1894, AD1509, sometime in the 14th century, AD989, AD740 and in the 5th century and have a mean recurrence interval of rupture between 243 and 396 years. Following the age model obtained we finally used the earthquake record history of the Cinarcik Segment to infer the rupture history of adjacent segments of the North Anatolian Fault during six earthquake cycles over the past 1500 years. [less ▲]

Thanks to the precision of Kepler observations, [3] were able to measure the linewidth and amplitude of individual modes (including mixed modes) in several sub- giant power spectra. We perform a forward ... [more ▼]

Thanks to the precision of Kepler observations, [3] were able to measure the linewidth and amplitude of individual modes (including mixed modes) in several sub- giant power spectra. We perform a forward modelling of a Kepler subgiant based on sur- face properties and observed frequencies. Non-adiabatic computations including a time- dependent treatment of convection give the lifetimes of radial and non-radial modes. Next, combining the lifetimes and inertias with a stochastic excitation model gives the ampli- tudes of the modes. We can now directly compare theoretical and observed linewidths and amplitudes of mixed-modes to obtain new constraints on our theoretical models. [less ▲]

Background: Long-term exposure to persistent pollutants with hormonal properties (endocrine-disrupting chemicals, EDCs) may contribute to the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). However, epidemiological evidence remains limited. Objectives: We investigated the relationship between PCa and plasma concentrations of universally widespread pollutants, in particular p,p’- dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) and the non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyl congener 153 (PCB153). Methods and Findings: We evaluated before treatment 576 men with newly diagnosed PCa and 655 controls in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). Exposure was analyzed according to case-control status. Associations were assessed by unconditional logistic regression analysis, controlling for confounding factors. Missing data were handled by multiple imputation. We estimated a significant positive association between DDE and PCa (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95% CI 1.02, 2.30 for the highest versus lowest quintile of exposure; PTrend= 0.01). PCB153 was inversely associated with PCa (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.19, 0.47 for the highest versus lowest quintile of exposure values; PTrend<0.001). Also, PCB153 was more strongly associated to low-grade than high grade PCa. Conclusions: Associations of PCa with DDE and PCB153 were in opposite directions. This may reflect differences in the mechanisms of action of these EDCs, and although our findings need to be replicated in other populations, they are consistent with complex effects of EDCs on human health. [less ▲]

Urban sprawl is transforming our landscapes and rural areas at a spectacular pace. Measuring the strength of the phenomenon and proposing dynamic ways to delineate suburban areas have been the object of ... [more ▼]

Urban sprawl is transforming our landscapes and rural areas at a spectacular pace. Measuring the strength of the phenomenon and proposing dynamic ways to delineate suburban areas have been the object of much debate amongst scientists. The present article takes the view that, beyond measuring and delineating suburban areas, more efforts should be directed to qualifying the morphology of built settlements within these areas. Therefore it proposes a method based on a semi-automatic classification system of building clusters, designed to describe and interpret the phenomenon from a morphological perspective. This method is based on a combination of field surveys with numerical analyses of digital land cadastre maps. The application of this classification system to the suburban area around Liege reveals that, far from developing in a complete indifference of local conditions, contemporary suburban settlements are influenced by landscape structures inherited from the past. [less ▲]

It is usual to think of the spectacular development of the Brentano School in Austria as being tied to the rise of a specific research program, which is sometimes dubbed “Austrian phenomenology”. I ... [more ▼]

It is usual to think of the spectacular development of the Brentano School in Austria as being tied to the rise of a specific research program, which is sometimes dubbed “Austrian phenomenology”. I discuss here some evidences for the existence of such a program. In the discussion, I highlight two claims which I take to be constitutive of the Brentanian phenomenology. The first one is the epistemological claim according to which our concepts all have an empirical origin, which has to be located in the experience we have of our own mental states. The second one is the methodological claim according to which describing a mental phenomenon P is nothing but analysing P, where “analysing P” simply means “distinctly perceiving all the constituents of P”. Although a deeper insight in those two claims would require considerable further investigations, I suggest they should be part of the picture when it comes to adjudicating on the specificity of the Brentanian program. [less ▲]

Abstract- [18F]UCB-H is a novel radiotracer with a high affinity for SV2A, a protein expressed in synaptic vesicles. SV2A is the binding site of levetiracetam, a “first in class” antiepileptic drug with a ... [more ▼]

Abstract- [18F]UCB-H is a novel radiotracer with a high affinity for SV2A, a protein expressed in synaptic vesicles. SV2A is the binding site of levetiracetam, a “first in class” antiepileptic drug with a distinct but still poorly understood mechanism of action. The objective of this study was to determine the biodistribution and radiation dosimetry of [18F]UCB-H in a human clinical trial and to establish injection limits according to biomedical research guidelines. Additionally, the clinical radiation dosimetry results were compared to estimations in previously published preclinical data. Dynamic whole body PET/CT imaging was performed over approximately 110 minutes on five healthy male volunteers after injection of 144.5 ± 7.1 MBq (range, 139.1 – 156.5 MBq) of [18F]UCB-H. Major organs were delineated on CT images and time-activity curves were obtained from co-registered dynamic PET emission scans. Time-integrated activity coefficients were calculated as area under the curve using trapezoidal numerical integration. Urinary excretion data based on PET-activities including voiding was simulated using the dynamic bladder module of OLINDA/EXM. The radiation dosimetry was calculated using OLINDA/EXM. The effective dose to the OLINDA/EXM 70 kg standard male was 1.54E-02 ± 6.84E-04 mSv/MBq, with urinary bladder wall, gallbladder wall and the liver receiving the highest absorbed dose. The brain, the tracer’s main organ of interest, received an absorbed dose of 1.89E-02 ± 2.32E-03 mGy/MBq. This first human dosimetry study of [18F]UCB-H indicated that the tracer shows similar radiation burdens to widely used common clinical tracers. Single injections of at maximum 672 MBq for USA practice and 649 MBq for European practice keep radiation exposure below recommended limits. Recently published preclinical dosimetry data extrapolated from mice provided satisfactory prediction of total body and effective dose, but showed significant differences in organ absorbed doses compared to human data. [less ▲]